SERENDIPITY

~3~ Caught In The Act And Almost Caught In The Act ✔️

Recap: "I'm not jea-jealous," I stuttered, trying to steady my voice.

He stared at me intently, a smirk playing on his lips. "Sure," he drawled, the amusement evident in his voice. "You're not exactly the best at hiding your feelings, Raquel."

I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, the urge to disappear overwhelming me. Oh, how I wished the ground could open up and swallow me whole.

The sun was now setting, casting long shadows across the valley. "We should get going. It's getting dark," he said suddenly, his voice breaking the peaceful stillness.

I nodded, unable to find my voice, and we made our way back to where the horses grazed. We mounted our steeds and rode back towards the mansion, the only sounds being the soft clopping of hooves on the dirt path and the rustling of leaves in the evening breeze.

As we rode, my mind raced with thoughts and emotions from the day's events. It had been a long day filled with unexpected twists and turns. But despite it all, there was a comfortable silence between us, a connection that didn't require words.

What a long day it had been, but perhaps it was just the beginning of something new

...•...•...•...

The memory of that fateful encounter with Daniel at the lake continued to plague my thoughts, like a stormy cloud looming over my every move. Despite my best efforts to avoid him, working in his house proved to be a constant reminder of what had transpired. Joanna, my colleague, had picked up on the tension between us and was growing increasingly suspicious. Whenever she broached the topic, I would deflect or change the subject.

Today, however, was a particularly trying day. "So, what happened between you and Daniel?" Joanna prodded once again; her eyes full of curiosity.

I let out a deep sigh and shook my head. "Do you honestly believe I would disclose such information to you?" I quipped, a hint of bitterness creeping into my voice. "Perhaps you should ask your 'prince charming' himself. He might be more forthcoming with his secrets."

Joanna's eyes narrowed as she glared at me. "You are so annoying," she scoffed, flaring her nose in disgust.

"I know," I replied with a calm demeanor. "But unlike you, I have important work to do. So if you'll excuse me..." I trailed off, my voice trailing away as I turned on my heel.

Joanna's temper flared as I walked away. "I hate you!" she hissed, her voice dripping with venom.

I chuckled, not bothering to look back. "That's hardly news," I remarked with a smirk. The sound of her growl and stomping footsteps filled the air as she stormed off in a huff. Despite her anger, I knew she would be back again, ready to pick another fight. It was a game we played, a dance we danced, and I was determined to emerge victorious every time.

I sighed and carefully balanced the saucer and coffee cup, making my way to the master bedroom. With bated breath, I held the coffee cup with trembling hands, hoping I wouldn't bump into Daniel. The house was still silent, as if it was holding its breath too. But fate was never on my side, and as soon as I knocked on the master bedroom door, it swung open to reveal him, looking as handsome as ever with a beanie on his head. We locked eyes for a moment, and I felt my heart skip a beat, my resolve crumbling under the weight of his stare. I quickly averted my gaze and strode past him. With a forced cheerfulness, I walked further into the room to give Mr. Johnson’s early morning coffee to him.

"Your usual morning coffee, Mr. Johnson," I chirped in my best imitation of a cheerful voice, trying to ignore the sense of foreboding that crept up on me.